Claudio was elected as member of the Mediation Commission (MedCom) one year ago. Currently, he is one of two candidates for a position in the MedCom and the only one who is re-running after finishing a term. The AEGEEan talked to Claudio about his previous work in the MedCom and his newest candidature.
The AEGEEan: Claudio, even though you have already been active both in the Network Commission (NetCom) and the Mediation Commission (MedCom) some of the readers might not have gotten to know you. Please introduce yourself and your AEGEE history!
I am Claudio, a 26-year-old Neapolitan AEGEEan. I’ve been around since 2010. Since then, I have been active on local level, being also in the board. I stepped at the European level in 2012, being active in the Eastern Partnership Project, as Network Commissioner for the Italian speaking locals for one year and being in the Mediation Commission for the past year. I am a bit of a wanderer, living in Amsterdam for the moment. I guess I will never learn how to pronounce “Scheveningen”, but I promise I will do my best.
You have been a member of the MedCom for one year and stated that having an experienced member on board can only be beneficial for the new MedCom. Surely, this is not the only reason why you run again?
Of course this is not the only one! I am sure the commission would do well even with a completely new lineup. Dedication and work are way more important than experience. The main reason is that when the deadline for candidatures passed, there was only a single candidate. I have been talking about it with potential candidates but nothing concrete came out of it. So here I am, not to leave Atanas alone! Apart from that, I strongly believe MedCom needs an Italian member. Italian locals are a consistent percentage of the network, in terms of locals and individuals, which is the reason why you need someone who understands their reality and speaks their language.
What did you like most about your time in the MedCom so far?
My Skype meetings with Tom Simons. I am sure my fellow Medcommies will understand and they will not be jealous about this honest answer. They would have said the same.
Were there any obstacles or things you would handle differently in retrospect?
I think we did a good job all in all. We could have been faster and more reactive on some occasions, but sometimes personal lives take over. Maybe we could have improved this aspect.
In your program, you state that you plan on keeping an effective communication with the other AEGEE bodies, especially the Comitè Directeur, the Network and the Audit Commission. How exactly are you planning to achieve a better communication?
I don’t think there is much to be improved, that’s why I would like to keep it as it is! We have an almost daily contact with our CD appointed member, that happens to be Paul this time, plus we get in touch with other Commissions’ members when needed. Last year I was lucky enough to have friends in almost all commissions. Even if it is not required, it surely helps. Let’s see who will be elected in Cagliari!
So far, only two people are running for positions in the MedCom. Why are you the only one of the former members who is running again?
You should ask the others! I can imagine every one of them has their own reasons, but I guess they are all taking different commitments in AEGEE. It’s always hard to quit, I am sure you will keep on seeing them around.
What are your plans for your future AEGEE–career?
Not seeing it as a career! There is enough rat race outside AEGEE, let’s keep it as the happy playground it should be. I see myself doing what I enjoy doing in my playground, as long as I enjoy it and I don’t get too old. Time is ticking…
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Saying nothing is better than saying something stupid, so I’ll stay silent.
Written by Katja Sontag, AEGEE-Aachen
(second image by Jorge Sánchez)